Introducing The Dynamic Poetic Rapper… Oompa

If you’re looking for a rapper that delivers poetic lyricism and empowering music then Oompa is the artist for you. Hailing from Boston, the young talent was surrounded by an array of genres at an early age. From Funk and Gospel to Disco and Reggae no music stone was unturned. As she continued to grow older, Oompa’s appreciation for Hip-Hop and the craft grew alongside her. Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, ended up being the catalyst for the young talent to pursue a career in rap.

Fast forward to 2016, and Oompa began to create a name for herself with her captivating flows. In her formative years as an artist, she won the 2017 Women of the World Poetry Slam and shared the stage with Charli XCX, 24KGoldn, and Rico Nasty. Her upward trajectory continued when she released her debut project ‘Cleo’ in 2019. The record, which spawned hits like ‘By You’, ‘Thank You (Fed) and ‘Cleo N ‘Nem’, effortlessly showcased Oompa’s artistic versatility. Now with her brand new single ‘LEBRON’ making the rounds, the acclaimed talent is ready to continue her music takeover. We were able to chat with Oompa about everything from her powerful new single, its accompanying visual, upcoming sophomore album and more. Read the full interview below.

Hey Oompa! How’s it going?

IT’S ALL GOOD. Thanks for having me!

Can you believe we are already in August? Where has the time gone?

Yo, 2020.2 is wild. The summer felt so long when I was a kid. 

Alright, let’s dive into this interview. Which genres of music were the soundtracks to your childhood?

Oooo Funk, Disco, R&B, Soul, Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae. Ok, everything Black. 

Was there a specific album that inspired you to pursue your own music career?

Kendrick Lamar’s GOOD KID MAAD CITY let me know I was going to get out of my situation. And I was going to live to tell the story. 

We have got to talk about your single empowering single ‘LEBRON’. Can you take us through the themes and messages you wanted to explore?

I really was just trying to process the impenetrable confidence I’ve been feeling in myself lately and was thinking of who must always feel like a baddie. Despite the naysayers, the obstacles set up for him to fail, he is always on top, as one of the greatest. Because he plays his game his way. And not only do I aspire to that, I am embodying that. And black people /poets love turning a non-verb into a verb. So, I Lebron. To Lebron is to do what you want while others do what they can. 

You also released an accompanying video for the record! What was the creative process like for the visual?

I did! Shoutout to my mgmt team and the homies at 9th planet productions, as well as Herv Gotti of Success is My Cologne for the styling game. For this video, I just knew I wanted to be on the court. For much of this project, we’re working on, I’ve had very zany detailed ideas. For this, I just knew I wanted to be on the court in my hood, and Yaz really jumped in his bag as a director. He took my aesthetic aspirations and completely chewed up the assignment.

We hear that there is a follow-up album to Cleo on the way? Can you give us a sneak peek of what music listeners can expect?

They can expect Joy. They can expect that I will not be bleeding on this project. I have been spending a lot of time bleeding and healing in my personal life. It feels very sacred and boundaried to me. This project is a testament to that. It is science fiction because I’m asserting that I and all my homies will be here in the future. Living bold and fearless lives. Being full, full selves. Cleo was about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Unbothered is that light. 

Your music touches on an array of important topics like race and queerness. What type of message do you want to give people who are in these marginalized communities?

I LOVE ALL Y’ALL. We’re all worthy of a life worth living. Don’t let anybody tell you differently. 

When creating these records, do you find it difficult or therapeutic to open up about such personal topics?

It was at the time. I thought healing was a communal and performative act. I needed somebody to hear me and my story and to know I was trying with what I had. These last two years taught me that what I had wasn’t enough. That I had to dig deeper in real ways for the healing. I learned it is just as healing to paint the picture of what you found deep inside that was lost, as it is to show what had been missing on the surface. 

As one of the few Black and out queer artists, what type of impact or legacy would you like to have on the music industry?

I just want my bedroom and gender to matter less. Because they’re private matters and don’t concern other people. I’m “out” because I’m just living my life, but my sexual/romantic interests are not up for consumption, the art I choose to share is. I want people to feel my music to be so overwhelmingly needed that they can’t help but to love it and me despite their own limitations. Because I will no matter what. 

Taking it back to the past. If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self what would it be?

1. This shit goes fast. This life thing. Try your best to live while you’re surviving. 
2. You are worthy of love because you ARE love. You don’t have to DO anything to deserve it. 
3. No. 

With 2021 more than halfway over, what else is in store for OOMPA in the future?

The only thing in the future for me right now is the present. Being fully present. I know God/Spirit/Universe will provide. In the meantime, get ready for the new music and the visuals and just promise me you’ll stay on the ride with me. Love. 

Thanks for having me!

Watch Oompa’s brand new video for ‘LEBRON’ below and listen to the track here.